7 Myths About Home Insurance Debunked

You never know when a calamity will happen and cause damage to your home, whether it’s due to a storm, a fire, or a break-in. Home insurance is a means to ensure that you are financially protected (knock on wood) in the event of an emergency or unforeseen incident.

However, there are a number of house insurance myths that might lead to a costly discovery of coverage gaps. What it does and doesn’t cover, what type of plan is best, and whether you legally need coverage are all common myths about home insurance.

We explain seven of the most popular home insurance myths in this post.

MYTH 1 : Homeowners Insurance Is Required By Law

Another common misconception about homeowners insurance is that it is required by law. The truth is that you are not required to have home insurance in any of the 50 states in the United States.

As previously stated, your mortgage provider may demand you have homeowners insurance. If your home is destroyed by a natural catastrophe, for example, insurance protects not only you but also the mortgage company.

They must secure their investment and the property’s worth. The mortgagee clause, which is included in an insurance policy, prevents the mortgage lender from suffering a substantial loss if your property is lost or damaged. It ensures that the lender will be paid by the homeowner’s insurance company.

MYTH 2 : Mold, Floods, And Termite Damage Are All Covered

What is and isn’t covered in a homeowner’s insurance policy is a common confusion. When your home or personal property is burglarized or damaged by an event covered by your policy, homeowners insurance will compensate you. Mold, flood, and termite damage, on the other hand, are not covered by most standard plans. Let’s take a look at why.

Flood Damage

Although common water damage such as a burst pipe or an overflowing sink is usually covered, flood damage is not. This is due to the fact that a flood is regarded as a steady rather than a sudden or unexpected incident. Some homeowners’ insurance policies, on the other hand, offer a unique provision for this type of loss.

Consider obtaining flood insurance to protect your home against floods or pipe and drain blockages if you live in a flood-prone area. Even if your property is in a low-to-moderate-risk location, some mortgage lenders may need coverage. To find out what level of risk your house faces, go to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Map Service Center.

Mold and Termite Damage

Mold damage is an avoidable issue from the perspective of an insurance provider, and it is the homeowners’ financial obligation. One exception is if it’s connected to a covered risk, which your homeowner’s insurance will cover. In other words, if the mold, mildew, or fungus is caused by a specific issue, such as a burst pipe, your policy should cover it.

Termites and other pests can be found in homes all around the United States, but they’re most widespread in areas like Los Angeles, CA, New York, NY, and Miami, FL. A homeowners insurance coverage normally excludes the cost of removing termites and repairing the damage.

This is due in part to the length of time it takes for a termite infestation to progress – usually three to five years – and the fact that homeowners insurance covers damage that occurs suddenly. It’s also difficult to pinpoint exactly when the damage occurred, so if you’ve switched insurance companies in the last few years, there may be some confusion about which company should cover the expense.

MYTH 3: My Entire Home Is Covered

It’s important to study the terms and conditions of your insurance policy to see which things are included. Your personal items, such as furniture and appliances, as well as belongings outside the home, are usually covered.

However, the number of luxury items covered by home insurance coverage is limited. You might be shocked at what some insurance companies consider a luxury item. In the event of an otherwise covered incident, valuable jewelry, art, apparel, or computers may not be covered.

Make sure your policy’s coverage levels are sufficient to properly protect you against loss due to damage or theft. You can pay to incorporate additional coverage for such items if necessary.

You should carefully examine the conditions of your insurance to verify that all of your most valuable possessions are protected. Consider making an inventory of your possessions. This is useful not only for estimating the amount of coverage you need but also in the event of an unforeseen incident since you will have proof of what you need reimbursement for.

MYTH 4 : My Neighbor’s Insurance Covers Damage Caused By Falling Trees

Imagine a tree from your neighbor’s yard falling onto your property during a storm or hurricane. Will you be the one to file the claim, or will your neighbor?

It’s a common misconception that your neighbor’s insurance should cover the damage to your property. However, unless there was a clear warning of the danger of the tree crashing down, your neighbor is unlikely to be held accountable in most states. Otherwise, it’s just a chance occurrence.

Accidents happen, which is why you should have solid home insurance coverage. You never know what will happen.

MYTH 5 : It Is Usually Preferable To Bundle Coverage

Bundling house and vehicle insurance for many people can result in lower rates on both fronts, but this isn’t always the case. There will always be exemptions to what form of coverage would provide you with the greatest premiums, so search around on a case-by-case basis.

Bundling your home and auto insurance just a year or two before moving to a smaller house or selling your car, for example, could result in higher rates. Downsizing your home is difficult enough as it is, and you shouldn’t have to pay any more than what is needed.

After you relocate, sell a car, or otherwise update something about your coverage, it’s a great idea to compare rates again. Your current plans or bundles may no longer be the most cost-effective alternative, and you should aim to save money whenever possible.

MYTH 6: The Amount Of Homeowners Insurance I Require Is Determined By My Home’s Market Value.

This is a wrong statement. The amount of homeowners insurance you require is determined by the cost of rebuilding your property if it were completely damaged. This includes the materials and building costs. Because the value of your property is determined by other criteria such as location, housing market trends, and surrounding properties, it has no bearing on the amount of homeowners insurance you require.

MYTH 7: It’s Not Worth It To Buy A Policy

When it comes to an unforeseen incident that damages or destroys your home or possessions, it’s tempting to think that it probably wouldn’t happen to you. It can feel like you’re getting ripped off if you pay your homes insurance payment month after month and don’t use it for anything. However, if calamity hits, insurance can save you hundreds of thousands of dollars.

For example, if a wildfire or hurricane destroys your home and personal items, your policy may cover the costs of repairing or rebuilding your home, replacing your belongings and paying for temporary accommodation.

Alternatively, if a visitor is hurt on your property and decides to sue, your insurance may be able to assist you with legal fees. However, any injuries you or a family member have while on your own property are not covered by your home’s insurance.

Owning a home has a lot of advantages, but it also has a lot of unknowns and pricey hazards. Homeowners insurance is an excellent method to safeguard your finances. To get the best insurance plan for your needs, compare house insurance rates and terms.